Living
Not on It
From Saltbush Bill, J.P., and other Verses
The new chum's polo pony was the smartest pony yet--
The owner backed it for the Cup for all that he could get.
The books were laying fives to one, in tenners; and you bet
He was on it.
The bell was rung, the nags came out their quality to try,
The band played "What Ho! Robbo!" as our hero cantered by,
The people in the Leger Stand cried out, "Hi, Mister, Hi!
Are you on it?"
They watched him as the flag went down; his fate is quickly told--
The pony gave a sudden spring, and off the rider rolled.
The pony finished first all right, but then our hero bold
Was not on it.
Cite this poem
MLA
Paterson, Andrew Barton 'Banjo'. “Not on It.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/paterson_ab/126/.
Chicago
Paterson, Andrew Barton 'Banjo'. “Not on It.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/paterson_ab/126/.
Read this poem with the Codex →